Ribbon packaging device



J 1968 H. ST. 1.. DANNATT ETAL 3,386,556

RIBBON PACKAGING DEVICE Filed Jan. 5, 1966 mvsmoas.

a" #JZLJAWA/Aff JEAOME 4 F040.

fwd $10 United States Patent 3,386,556 RIBBON PACKAGING DEVICE Hugh St. L. Dannatt, Rochester, NY, and Jerome R.

Fultl, Trumbull, Conn, assignors to Sperry Rand Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 3, 1966, Ser. No. 518,074 1 Claim. (Cl. 197-151) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A printing ribbon packaging device comprising a spool for storing the ribbon in a coiled configuration. The spool is easily separated into a pair of individual units which cooperate with appropriate receptacles of a printing mech' anism to function as supply and take-up reels for the ribbon as it feeds past a work station. Each end of the ribbon is attached to one of a pair of hub members which cooperate uniquely with each other to form the spool or with the receptacles when the ribbon is to be disposed in a work environment.

The present invention relates in general to a packaging device and more particularly to a ribbon packaging device for use in office machines, or the like, as the ribbon supply means.

It is generally old in the ribbon packaging art to provide an arrangement featuring characteristics which enable an oflice machine operator to install and remove ribbon without touching the ribbon. Such features are especially desirable when an inked ribbon, such as a typewriter ribbon, is involved. One known arrangement comprises the provision of a pair of expendable spools. The ribbon ends are attached to the spool barrels with the bulk of the ribbon wrapped in a coiled configuration on either one of them. Ribbon packaged in this manner is readily manipulated to an operative position without touching the ribbon, by grasping the spools to effect insertion of a portion of the intermediate ribbon in topfeed type split vibrator and guide means. The spools are then placed in ribbon cups mounted on the machine and finally the ribbon is manually or automatically tantened. This arrangement obviously requires a package large enough to enclose both spools. Of course a one spool package is more compact and may be provided, but then the free ribbon end must be manipulated directly to secure it to machine take-up means, which is inconvenient and adverse to the above discussed advantage.

In other instances a more compact package is provided wherein the ribbon is coiled on a plain cylindrical core with the free end of the ribbon consisting of a leader strip for facilitating threading through the vibrator and attachment to the take-up means. This does not alleviate the problems involved in connection of the free end and, further, the coil is unprotected and may become dislodged from its wrapped configuration. Also, accommodating end flanges must be provided with the oflice machine for cooperation with its cups to retain the ribbon in proper disposition during operation.

In the past, attempts have been made to eliminate the need for a leader strip, which requires additional manufacturing steps, while still retaining the advantage of a compact packaging arrangement adapted for simple machine insertion. However, many problems have been encountered because the compact feature is not compatible with the convenience feature prevalent in the paired spool arrangement, wherein operator contact with the ribbon is eliminated. These problems are further compounded when considering the need to provide such a suitable packaging arrangement in which a leaderless ribbon need not be touched by the operator during manipulation while still including the additional feature of adapting the package for simple and convenient insertion into conventional receptacle cups.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novel ribbon packaging device.

Another object is to provide a ribbon packaging device adapted to permit the ribbon to be conveniently installed in or removed from its operative environment without the fingers of the operator contacting the ribbon.

A further object is to provide an economical ribbon packaging device of general unitary construction and adapted for simple separation into a pair of detached units which are adapted for insertion into and removal from associated apparatus, while affording minimal operator contact with the ribbon.

Still another object is to provide a ribbon packaging device wherein the ribbon may be disposed in operative relationship with associated apparatus without handling of the ribbon and wherein the device also lends itself to compact, efficient storage when not in use.

According to the present invention a ribbon packaging device is provided in the form of a spool for accommodating the ribbon in a coiled configuration. The spool is separable to provide a pair of individual units adaptable to function as supply and take-up means which cooperate with appropriate receptacles of a printing mechanism. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention contemplates a printing machine ribbon supply device for use with a pair of cup-shaped receptacles associated with axial drive means to feed the ribbon through a printing station. For exemplary purposes, the device will be referred to as having two functional modes. In one mode the device is presented as a conventionally shaped storage spool while in the other mode, the spool is separable to a pair of individual units as noted above. Hence, the functional modes will be identified as storage and operative modes respectively.

The device in its storage mode includes a printing ribbon coiled on the barrel (or core) of a spool-shaped holding device. The spool comprises an opposing pair of disk-shaped end flange members and a core detachably interconnecting the flange members in spaced parallel relationship. To this end the core consists of first and second portions extending respectively from the end flange members to form separable first and second units. The ribbon, which is received in a coiled configuration by the first unit and attached thereto, is attached by its outer end to the second unit, whereby the first and second units when detached in the operative mode are free to issue and take up the ribbon on the extending portions. For this purpose the extending portions project coaxially from the respective end flange members a distance corresponding to the width of the ribbon. The extending portions are shaped to interfit one with the other to form the spool barrel in the storage mode; however, their unique configuration, as described in further detail hereinafter, also permits independent interaction with conventional :spool drive means when in the operative mode.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the detailed description which follows, in conjunction with the accompanying sheet of drawing wherein one principal embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood however, that the drawing is for illustrative purposes only and is not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

In the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of subject ribbon packaging arrangement in the storage mode;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the novel packaging device in the operative mode;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the novel ribbon packaging device in the operative mode and shows the ribbon in association with the fingers of a typical typewriter ribbon vibrator; and

FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of subject device in the operative mode and shows a pair of typical typewriter ribbon cups and portions of a spool drive mechanism, as well as the fingers of a vibrator.

Referring now to the drawing for a detailed description of the present invention, and more specifically to FIG. 1, the subject packaging device is shown in the storage mode and includes a pair of end flange members and 11, between which a ribbon 12 is disposed in a conventional coiled configuration. Ribbon 12 is generally referred to throughoutby the same reference numeral; however, various specific portions thereof are designated by the same numeral with primed superscripts to avoid confusion.

FIG. 2 shows subject packaging device in the operative mode, i.e., flange 10 and flange 11 have been separated from the spool configuration of FIG. 1. The barrel of the spool shown in FIG. 1 (also see the sectional view of FIG. 3) is shown as separate first and second hub members 13 and 14 in FIG. 2. Hub member 13 extends coaxially from flange 10, and hub member 14 extends coaxially from flange 11. Ribbon 12 is disposed in a coiled configuration on hub member 13 with the outer end of the coiled ribbon formed in the shape of a tab 12 and secured to hub member 14 extending from flange 11. Hub member 14, which is substantially cylindrically shaped, has an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of hub member 13, which is also substantially cylindrically shaped.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a slot 15 is shown in hub 14 forming a bifurcated end comprising projecting members 16 and 17. Hub member 13 (see FIG. 2) includes four extending fingers 18 projecting from flange 10 in a spaced parallel manner and adapted to accommodate hub 14 (represented by members 16 and 17). Thus, in the storage mode hub 13 interfits with hub 14 to form the spool shown in FIG. 1 having a smooth loop formed in ribbon 12 at 12". The portion 12" of the ribbon forming the loop is also identified in FIG. 2 wherein the device is shown in the operative mode just subsequent to separation of the spool to individually operable units. It should be noted that in the FIG. 2 configuration, ribbon 12 remains folded at 12" to illustrate the manner in which the ribbon is twisted to allow for the snug interconnected arrangement of the FIG. 1 spool without necessitating separation of the tab 12' from hub 14. The normal thickness of the ribbon at tab 12' also functions to obviate inadvertent displacement of the hub members when interengaged in the storage mode. By virtue of the tab a slight force is necessary when urging the flanges apart during transposition of the device from the storage mode to the operative mode. This force is made necessary as a result of the slight frictional force between the outer surface of tab 12' and the inner surface of fingers 18.

FIG. 4 further illustrates the configuration of hub members 13 and 14. The cutaway portion shows a guide tab 2-9 extending from the end of each finger 18, the purpose of which is to facilitate cooperation with the associated spool drive mechanism and is explained in further detail hereinafter. Ribbon 12 and flange members It] and 11 are shown disposed in the position most convenient for insertion of the ribbon into vibrator 21 without requiring the operator to touch the ribbon during manipulation. For example, by grasping the flanges at their outer edges and holding the units in a vertical manner, as shown, a convenient loop will be formed in the ribbon and by virtue of the half twists shown, the lower edge of the loop will be disposed in a loose fashion to facilitate guidance between the fingers of the vibrator 21. It should be noted that when the fold 12' is removed from ribbon 12 it extends tangentially from hub member 14, as illustrated.

The form of the vibrator illustrated herein (FIGS. 4 and 5) is fully disclosed in Patent No. 2,509,862, granted May 30, 1950 to E. H. Dreher. Therefore, for the purpose of this invention, it will suflice to say that the vibrator comprises a pair of movable arms 22 and a pair of stationary posts 23, all four of which extend from the main bracket portion 24 of the vibrator. The movable arms 22 are pivotally mounted for manipulation to an open position whereby the outer ends thereof are urged toward each other to permit the ribbon to be easily positioned in the vibrator, adjacent posts 23 as shown.

To further illustrate the unique structure of the present invention, the device is shown in FIG. 5 with the ribbon positioned in vibrator 21 and the separate units adjacent accommodating receptacle cups 25 and 25', which are substantially identical in structure. The cups shown are typical of those found in an office machine, such as a typewriter, in which the transfer ribbon is fed through a print station via a vibrator. The vibrator associated with such machines is usually synchronized with the ribbon feed mechanism. Although the feed mechanism. Although the feed mechanism shown in FIG. 5 is only a diagrammatic illustration, such elements are well known in the art and, insofar as the present invention is concerned, their cooperative relationship is evident.

The cups 25 and 25' include bases 26, 26 with sidewalls 27, 27 extending from the outer edges thereof. Slots 28, 28 are provided in the sidewalls for accommodating ingress and egress of ribbon when wound on spools or the like within the cups, Referring now to cup 25 a shaft 30 is coupled to gear 31, which is driven harmoniously by the associated printing mechanism in accordance with the ribbon feed demand. Pin 32 extends coaxially through the base 26 of cup 25 and is driven with shaft 30. Sloted cylinder 33, which is journalled for rotation in cup 25 is coupled to pin 32 by means (not shown) for driving pin and cylinder 33 in concert.

Cylinder 33', pin 32, and shaft 30 function in a manner similar to the function of the parts identified by like numerals with non-primed designations. The drive means is reversible to the extent common in the art wherein complementing functions are necessary to first issue, and then take up the ribbon when the ribbon becomes exhausted in one direction.

In operation, the subject supply device is stored in its operative mode as a single spool as shown in FIG. 1. When the ribbon supply device is needed, the stored spool is separated into first and second units, as shown in FIG. 2, by urging the flange portions apart and disengaging hub 13 from hub 14 by overcoming the frictional holding force effected by tab 12. The operative mode can best be described by referring to the separated flange and hub combinations as first and second units; however, to avoid confusion, reference numerals are not assigned thereto.

After separation of the device to the operative mode (see FIG. 2) the ribbon is positioned in vibrator 21 as explained above when referring to FIG. 4. The first and second units are then disposed adjacent cups 25 and 25, respectively, after having placed the ribbon on guide rods, rollers, and the like, disposed in the ribbon path between the cups and vibrator. Then the first unit is inserted in cup 25 by urging aligned fingers 18 into engagement with the outer surface of cylinder 33. Alignment is facilitated by virtue of tabs 20. The fingers a resilient and thus rigid frictional engagement between the unit and the cylinder is effected by the inward bias of the outward flexed fingers. In the fully inserted position flange 10, acting as a stop, engages cylinder 33 such that tabs 20 remain slightly spaced from base 26 to assure freedom of movement of the ribbon unit with respect to the cup base.

Hub 14, like its counterpart, is also of a resilient nature. Thus, in a smilar manner the second unit is secured to cylinder 33'; however, in this instance the bifurcated hub 14 is urged to resiliently engage the inner surface of the cylinder 33'. The outer leading edges 34 of the hub are slightly rounded to facilitate intercugagement with the cylinder especially during the initial stages of insertion. It should be noted that the ribbon must be passed through slots 23, 28 when the respective units are inserted in cups 25 and 25. Further, in the case of the second unit it is necessary to lead the ribbon through slot 35 in cylinder 33' during the insertion of hub 14 into cylinder 33.

It is now evident that when the first and second separate units of the device, and the ribbon are disposed for operation as described, the ribbon is fed from one cup to the other through the vibrator in a conventional manner. The shafts 30, 30 are incrementally driven and synchronized one with the other for operation in either direction. The centrally located cylinders in the cups have like dimensions as do the cups themselves, Which similarity permits either of the units to be disposed in either of the cups.

Many advantages of the present invention have been explicitly and implicitly set forth in the above description, e.g., the simple and economical construction of the device, and the widely diversified use to which the ribbon supply device may be employed. It should again be emphasized that operator handling of the ribbon is eliminated, or at least kept to a bare minimum, depending on the particular application. To this end, no threading of the ribbon is required with respect to the device itself before or after the separate units as positioned in the cups. Twists in the ribbon are obviated and it remains continuously in communication between the units even when in the storage mode. Further, the storage mode is such that a minimum amount of space is required which enhances shipment and facilitates shelf storage.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by way of example, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Various changes may be made in the design and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claim as will now be understood by those 5 skilled in the art.

We claim:

1. In a printing machine ribbon supply apparatus, a pair of cup shaped receptacles associated with axial drive means to feed the ribbon through a printed station comprising in combination:

a spool including a pair of opposing end flange members,

a first hub member extending from one of said flange members and comprising a cylindrical rod having a diametric slot therein forming a bifurcated resilient end,

a second hub member extending from the other of said flange members and comprising a plurality of spaced fingers disposed in parallel relationship for receiving said rod in detachable frictional engagement,

a printing ribbon disposed on said. spool in coiled configuration having an inner end connected to said second hub member and an outer end connected to said first hub member,

first cylindrical means disposed in and rotatable relative to one of said cup shaped receptacles dimensioned to receive said first hub member in frictional engagement, and

second cylindrical means disposed in and rotatable relative to the other of said cup shaped receptacles, said second cylindrical means dimensioned to be embraced by said fingers in frictional engagement,

said first and second cylindrical means being responsive to the axial drive means for feeding said ribbon from one hub member to the other past the printing station.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 401,856 4/1889 Ray 197-175 X 1,104,359 7/1914 Kidder 197-151 1,717,362 6/1929 Barr 197175 X 2,247,881 7/1941 Hatfield 197-175 X 2,936,883 5/1960 Eichacker 197175 2,999,578 9/1961 Holden 197-151 3,120,177 2/1964 Clark 197-l75 X 3,145,823 8/1964 Spradlin 197175 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

E. T. WRIGHT, Examiner. 

